Popular comedian Des Bishop has written a heart-warming, moving memoir of his father Mike's life. ‘My dad was nearly James Bond’ opens with the diagnosis of his terminal cancer and ends with death and in-between brings his charismatic father to life. Mike Bishop was a successful male model and bit-part actor in sixties London. It was here that he auditioned for the role of James Bond in the film 'On her Majesty's Secret Service' only to lose out to the man largely considered the worst James Bond of all times, George Lazenby. For much of the rest of Mike's life he was plagued by what might have been.
In 1969, Mike moved to New York where his career failed to take off. He married, had three sons, put his movie star aspirations to the back of his mind and got on with his life, working as a manager in an upmarket Manhattan department store.
Though he was happy with his lot, he always held the hope that he might one day hit the big time, recording music and working on an unsung opera about Irish emigration. So, it was to his great delight that after being diagnosed with terminal cancer that he became the star of his son’s critically acclaimed comedy show. Mike and Des worked together to create the hit stage show which tells the unusual story of his life.
Mike Bishop died in February 2011 and Des, inspired by the comedy show has written this open, funny and moving tribute from a son to his father. ‘My dad was nearly James Bond’ is a poignant, honest, moving salute to Mike and follows his journey from a troubled childhood to a successful model to his life as husband and father. It’s a really wonderful, inspiring book that is filled with love, respect, honesty and the ups and downs of a son’s relationship with his father. So, if you’re looking for the perfect gift to give to a man in your life then look no further. Des Bishop has written a memoir that begs to be read, enjoyed and shared with family and good friends.
My dad was nearly James Bond is published by Penguin, RRP €11.99
